NATS CEO outlines growth agenda to BBC

NATS Chief Executive Officer Richard Deakin outlined the company’s international growth agenda during a wide-ranging interview with the BBC today.

He said the company was now operating in 28 countries throughout the world delivering its expertise in air traffic solutions and had a thriving commercial side to the business.

“We are predicting double digit growth over the next four years,” he said on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

During the “Friday Boss” interview Richard also touched on capacity at Heathrow, the potential for a Thames Estuary airport and volcanic ash.

When he was asked if controllers operated in a heated and stressful environment – as portrayed in the Hollywood film Pushing Tin – he said that could not be further from the truth.

He said that air traffic controllers were very well trained to handle all eventualities calmly and professionally and the operations rooms were more akin to a public library than a city trading room.

After the broadcast Richard said: “The Today programme sets the agenda for the day’s news and current affairs and its listeners are key influencers and people in significant positions of power in the UK and beyond.

“To have the opportunity for an extended interview on such an influential programme illustrates that NATS is at the heart of UK business and playing a significant role in the nation’s business life.”